Wind Power

Wind turbines use two or three long blades to collect the energy in the blowing wind and convert it to electricity. The energy of motion contained in the wind is converted into electricity as the spinning turbine blades turn a generator. To create enough power for a city, several turbine towers need to be placed together in groups to create a "wind farm."

Wind power is environmentally friendly for numerous reasons. Emissions are negligible because no fuels are combusted, nor do turbines produce any substantial amount of solid waste while creating electricity. There have been some environmental concerns with bird deaths, noise issues and improperly installed towers that can cause soil erosion, but research and advancements are being made to reduce these impacts. Land around wind turbines can be used for positive purposes, such as the grazing of cattle or farming. (Source: EPA / Photo: Flickr)